In recent years, a significant number of high-profile injuries have emerged within women's football. Could the type of pitch used during matches play a role? This question was recently posed by Paul Barber, chief executive officer of Brighton. His inquiry sparked interest in exploring whether pitches designed for male athletes suit female players and what solutions exist if they do not. With plans to develop a new stadium tailored for their women's team, Brighton aims to incorporate scientific research to ensure optimal facilities.
Pitch surfaces are predominantly hybrid, combining synthetic materials with natural grass. These surfaces are durable and well-drained, allowing frequent use without significant degradation. However, questions remain about injury risks associated with these surfaces. Experts like Neil Rodger from STRI Group suggest that while current pitches meet elite standards, more research is needed to understand potential differences in optimal surface conditions between male and female players. Opinions vary among coaches and former players regarding the necessity and feasibility of specialized research and surfaces for women's football.
Current Pitch Conditions in Women's Football
Women's Super League teams utilize various grounds throughout the season, all meeting league licensing requirements. Brighton's Broadfield Stadium stands out as one of the few natural grass venues, whereas most clubs adopt hybrid pitches. Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Leicester City primarily use their men's team stadiums, occasionally playing at secondary locations. West Ham uniquely avoided using their men's stadium last season, opting instead for Walsall FC's Bescot Stadium for certain competitions.
The majority of top-tier football pitches are hybrid, featuring a synthetic base allowing real grass growth. These surfaces mimic natural grass but offer annual regrowth capabilities and superior durability. Most hybrid pitches consist of 95% sand and 4-5% polyethylene fibers to prevent waterlogging. Crystal Palace, promoted from the Women’s Championship, plays on the newly upgraded VBS Community Stadium with a modern hybrid surface. Leicester City employs an artificial grass pitch at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium when scheduling conflicts arise. Despite these advancements, concerns linger about how frequently shared pitches impact surface quality over time.
Analyzing Injury Risks and Expert Perspectives
While limited data exists specifically addressing female athletes, extensive research covers general football aspects such as traction, surface hardness, ball bounce height, roll distance, and shock absorption. Neil Rodger emphasizes the need for further investigation into possible links between specific pitches and increased injury risks among female players. Historically, unsafe pitches affected both men's and women's games, though modern standards significantly enhance pitch quality. The volume of matches played on shared stadiums remains a critical factor influencing surface condition deterioration.
Coaches and former players share diverse views on this issue. West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner stresses investment in pitch quality management rather than focusing solely on surface types. She highlights the importance of reducing game frequency on individual pitches through strategic scheduling. Claire Rafferty, a former Chelsea and England defender, believes ideal pitches balance grass length to minimize non-contact injuries. Meanwhile, Jen Beattie argues that separating men's and women's games based on pitch preferences might divert attention from more pressing issues like conditioning and physicality. Ellen White advocates for additional research targeting women-specific health factors affecting injury likelihood, suggesting enhanced strength training could mitigate risks associated with anatomical differences.